How to Score a 7 in IB English Paper 2

Unlocking the Secrets to Top Marks

Achieving a 7 in IB English Paper 2 is the ultimate goal for many students. This top grade not only reflects a deep understanding of literature but also the ability to analyze and compare texts effectively. Here's your comprehensive guide to mastering Paper 2 and securing that coveted 7.

Understanding the Criteria

What Examiners Look For

To score a 7, your essay needs to excel in several key areas:

Knowledge and Understanding: Demonstrating a thorough grasp of the texts.
Response to the Question: Addressing the chosen question directly and effectively.
Comparative Analysis: Comparing and contrasting texts in a balanced and insightful manner.
Literary Appreciation: Using appropriate literary terminology and providing a deep analysis of the texts.
Organization and Development: Structuring your essay logically with a clear argument.
Language: Writing in a clear, concise, and grammatically correct manner.

Preparation Strategies

Know Your Texts Inside Out

Deep Reading: Read and re-read the texts. Understand not just the plot, but also the themes, characters, and literary techniques.
Contextual Knowledge: Learn about the historical, cultural, and social context in which the texts were written. This can provide deeper insights and help in comparative analysis.
Character and Theme Analysis: Create detailed notes on key characters and themes. Understand their development and significance within the texts.
Quotations: Memorize key quotations that exemplify major themes, character traits, and literary techniques. Choose versatile quotes that can be applied to various questions.

Practice Comparative Analysis

Comparative Charts: Create charts comparing themes, characters, settings, and literary techniques across your texts. This visual aid can help you quickly identify points of comparison.
Sample Essays: Write practice essays on various comparative topics. This will help you get comfortable with the format and timing of the exam.
Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers on your practice essays. Identify areas for improvement and refine your comparative analysis skills.

Writing the Essay

Introduction (1 Paragraph)

Hook: Start with an engaging sentence related to the question.
- Example: "Literature often serves as a mirror, reflecting the complexities of human nature and society."
Context: Briefly introduce the texts you will compare.
- Example: "Both George Orwell's 1984 and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World explore dystopian futures, though their approaches to societal control differ significantly."
Thesis Statement: Clearly state your argument and how you will compare the texts.
- Example: "While Orwell's 1984 emphasizes overt governmental oppression, Huxley's Brave New Worldpresents a subtler form of control through pleasure and conditioning, highlighting different facets of human subjugation."

Body Paragraphs (4-6 Paragraphs)

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of comparison, such as themes, characters, settings, or literary techniques.

Topic Sentence: Introduce the main idea of the paragraph.
- Example: "Both novels address the manipulation of truth as a means of control."
Text 1 Analysis: Provide analysis and evidence from the first text.
- Example: "In 1984, Orwell depicts this through the Ministry of Truth, where historical records are constantly altered to fit the Party's narrative. Winston Smith's role in falsifying documents exemplifies the distortion of reality."
Text 2 Analysis: Provide analysis and evidence from the second text, making a clear connection to the first text.
- Example: "Similarly, in Brave New World, Huxley uses hypnopaedic conditioning to instill societal norms. The repetitive slogans, like 'Ending is better than mending,' shape the citizens' perceptions of reality."
Linking Sentence: Connect the analysis of both texts to reinforce your comparative argument.
- Example: "Through these mechanisms, both authors illustrate how the manipulation of truth can maintain societal control."

Conclusion (1 Paragraph)

Restate Thesis: Summarize your main argument in light of the analysis provided.
- Example: "Ultimately, Orwell and Huxley reveal the multifaceted nature of control, whether through overt oppression or subtle conditioning."
Summarize Key Points: Briefly recap the main points of comparison.
- Example: "While 1984 highlights the brutal enforcement of conformity, Brave New World demonstrates a more insidious, pleasure-driven form of subjugation."
Final Thought: End with a thought-provoking statement or question.
- Example: "These dystopian visions challenge us to reflect on the ways in which our own societies manipulate truth and maintain control."

Tips for Excellence

Time Management

Planning: Spend the first 10 minutes planning your essay. Outline your main points and textual evidence.
Writing: Allocate 1 hour and 20 minutes for writing. Ensure each paragraph is fully developed and linked to your thesis.
Reviewing: Use the final 15 minutes to proofread and refine your essay.

Use Comparative Language

Use comparative language to clearly highlight similarities and differences. Words like "similarly," "in contrast," "both," and "whereas" can help structure your comparisons.

Stay Relevant and Concise

Ensure every point you make is relevant to the question and your thesis. Avoid tangents and keep your writing clear and concise.

Proofread

Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and clarity. Make sure your arguments are logically structured and well-supported with evidence.

Conclusion: Achieving a 7

Scoring a 7 in IB English Paper 2 requires thorough preparation, clear and structured writing, and a deep understanding of the texts. By following these strategies and dedicating time to practice, you can achieve top marks and excel in your literary analysis.